8 Common Plumbing Problems That Require a Professional Solution

Your plumbing system can give you headaches if you don’t maintain it regularly. But even if you are diligent about keeping the system in great working condition, emergencies could still happen.

However, you can limit the damage and control the problem if you know what to do when faced with any plumbing emergency. And for you to take immediate action, you have to be aware of what an emergency looks like.

The rule of thumb is to contact a reputable emergency plumber if you experience an issue that you can’t handle and if you notice water damage with an unknown cause.

When it comes to plumbing emergencies, the severity of the situation varies. Here are the eight common plumbing issues that should be resolved by professional emergency plumbers in Melbourne right away.

1. Leaking Taps

Leaking taps are not just annoying; they could also cause significant water damage to your property without you even knowing it. So as soon as you notice a leak in any of your taps at home, assess the problem and find a solution to make it stop.

For instance, you can tighten the tap valve by hand. Avoid using a wrench because when used with extreme force, it can break the valves. If leaks persist or you are not sure about how to deal with these, contact a plumber immediate before this becomes a huge problem.

2. Leaking or broken pipes

When it comes to leaking pipes, you just have to turn off the water mains tap and call an emergency plumber. This plumbing issue always necessitates a visit from a professional to check your entire plumbing system and repair or replace them.

Don’t attempt to perform some of the home remedies or quick fixes you encounter online because you might do more damage to your pipes. You will just be wasting your time and energy. Pouring any chemical down the pipe in an attempt to clear the pipes will not just slow down professional repairs but also make the problem worse. So always address a leaking or broken pipes by switching off the water mains tap.

3. Leaking water heater

If you think your water heater is leaking because water pools on the floor, place a basin underneath it to confirm the problem. If it is empty, you may be dealing with a blocked drain. Either way, you must call a plumbing expert.

If the leak comes from the water heater, shut off the line that delivers cold water to the system. Also, consider shutting off the water mains tap as a precaution and wait for the plumber to arrive.

4. Frozen pipes

Every winter, most homeowners in Melbourne call plumbers to address cold-weather damage, such as frozen pipes.

If your pipes have frozen, give them a closer look and check if there are broken fittings and open splits. While you can thaw the pipes even when you can’t see any damage on them, it is still highly recommended that you call an expert plumber to repair and thaw your pipes to prevent any further damage.

The best way to prevent your pipes from freezing during the cold months is to wrap the pipes to insulate them, disconnect any attachments, and keep your home warm.

5. Blocked Drains

Since drains are used on a daily basis, they tend to get blocked often, especially if you are not using them properly. As soon as you notice any drain in your house that empties too slowly or not at all, immediately call a plumber. A plunger may solve the problem, but this is a temporary fix.

You must also call a plumbing expert if your drain is pouring water back into your house. Generally, this is a sign of a sewage backup or a more serious problem.

6. Toilet issues

Toilet issues are common. Usually, a plunger can solve these problems. But if your toilet is leaking on your floor or in the bowl, call a plumber immediately. This can be a sign of breakages or a more serious plumbing issue.

7. Foul smell

A foul, nasty smell coming from your sewage or taps is a sign of a huge problem in your septic or plumbing system. Attempting to fix this problem is dangerous because you are exposing yourself to pathogens and may aggravate the problem. Instead, contact an emergency plumber right away.

8. Gas Leak

You may think that plumbers are not the pros to call if you have a gas leak, but a reputable plumbing company in Melbourne is your safest bet during any plumbing and gas emergency.

Once you suspect a gas leak in your home, switch off the gas valve and leave your home immediately. A gas leak is hazardous because it could poison you and even cause injuries or death because of explosions and fires.

There are a lot of things you can do to protect your plumbing system and your current home (or your new home, if you have just relocated). However, there is no guarantee that you won’t ever experience an emergency.

So as soon as you experience any of these plumbing emergencies, call a plumber immediately so they can assess the situation and make all the necessary repairs or replacements. And don’t forget to schedule a regular inspection for your plumbing system.

AUTHOR BIO

Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer. Since 2001 the company has specialised in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.